Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Lilly Ledbetter

Lilly Ledbetter was a fearless leader and advocate for equal pay. Her fight began on the factory floor and reached the Supreme Court and Congress, and she never stopped fighting for all Americans to be paid what they deserve. Before she was a household name, Lilly was like so many other women in the workforce: she worked hard, with dignity, only to find out she was being paid less than a man for the same work.

Because of Lilly’s tireless efforts, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act—a critical step forward in the fight to close the gender and racial wage gaps—became the first bill signed in the Obama-Biden Administration. It was an honor to stand with Lilly as the bill that bears her name was made law.

Lilly’s decades of relentless advocacy inspired us all and have brought us closer to living up to our Nation’s core values of equality and fairness. Vice President Harris and I remain committed to building on Lilly’s legacy and to strengthening equal pay protections for all workers.

Jill and I send our love and condolences to Lilly’s family and all of the women she empowered and continues to inspire.

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